Montage Moments is a page of blog postings about a variety of subjects, thoughts and opinions..

The word 'deserve' can be used in many ways. People often say they 'deserve' better wages or better housing or perhaps, a larger amount in their SS checks.Or, parents tell children, "I 'deserve' respect and obedience." Sometimes, they tell the child, they 'deserve' a punishment of some kind.I'm sure we have all heard people lament, after a calamity of some sort, "What did I do to 'deserve' this?"

I read this morning of a man who won millions by purchasing one lottery ticket. Did he 'deserve' to win? He didn't do anything spectacular; just spent a couple bucks on a ticket, but he had the RIGHT ticket. Did he 'earn' the right to win? No bu I would bet he would like to set off some fireworks in celebration.

Then there are times we proclaim our wrath by saying someone 'deserved' the sentence or consequences they received. "He/she got what they deserved!" Or perhaps they didn't get what we think they deserved for their crimes.

What started my thoughts on the word 'deserve?' I will tell you. Nearly a year ago, I took one of my hearing aids in for repair. When they gave me an estimated cost, I decided I could function with using only one. Several months ago, the second one needed some repair. The cost was prohibitive so I told the technician to hold them until I could find $500. (Which could be never in my world) He obviously misunderstood (maybe HE needs hearing aids) and had them both repaired. I continued to function with captions on the TV and lots of 'What did you say?' moments.

I had the chance to visit a long-time friend who I had not seen for a while. She and her husband sold their farm and now live in a beautiful smaller home. While enjoying lunch with them, she told me she had hearing aids. So, I told her my story. There was no whining or complaining on my part; just laughing about how many times I have no idea what someone is saying.

Before I left, she got out her checkbook and asked for the name of the company who repaired them. Then she wrote a check for the $500. I was flabbergasted...is that still a word?... I immediately said, "I don't deserve that." She responded, "No. You don't. But I love you and I want to do this."I laughed, took her check and will be hearing again on Friday. I didn't deserve it; I had done nothing to even remotely deserve it, I could never repay it and was not expected to; it was a gift. Free...with no strings attached.

What do we deserve from our Heavenly Father? Absolutely nothing but condemnation. Have you done something to deserve his love and forgiveness? Neither have I nor anyone else. It is a gift paid for by Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.

As I observe the season of Lent, Ithink about a few things: What exactly do I think I deserve in this life? Happiness every day? No troubles or sadness? No arguments or misunderstandings? Perfect friends, spouse, children? When I realize what I really deserve, am I 'flabbergasted' by God's goodness and forgiveness and his ultimate sacrifice? I hope so.